Date: Aug 21st, 2006 · Tags: Jazz Music Links

On August 19 the reggae world lost one of its most prominent figures. Joseph Hill, the leader of the veteran reggae group, Culture unexpectedly passed away from a sudden illness. At the time, the group was in Berlin, Germany at the mid-point of a European tour. Culture will probably be best remembered for the impact Culture had on the reggae scene when they first appeared in 1976. During this period the group had a string of highly successful singles for producers Joe Gibbs and Sonia Pottinger.

Cultures ‘Two Sevens Clash’ album was named by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2002 as one of the ’50 Coolest Reggae Records and is a landmark in Reggae music across the globe. There were also major hits from the group – stop fussing and Fighting, a song directed to the chaotic political climate of the late 1970s.

Joseph Hill and Culture quickly developed a reputation as a fearsome performing group putting on stunning performances at the ‘One Love Peace Concert in 1978’ – all around Africa, Europe and around the Globe. Culture (Joseph Hill) will be greatly missed by both Culture fans and the reggae community.

Condolences go out to Pauline Hill, Kenyatta Hill, the entire Hill family, Albert Walker, Telford Nelson, long time agent George Michailow and the numerous musicians who were fortunate to perform with Him.

Read more the life of Culture( Joseph Hill) at http://www.cyberus.ca/~jdooley/